Server in internet-of-things communication path

Abstract

Radio networks such as Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs), user equipment devices (UEs), servers such as Internet-of-Things servers, and core network entities may be adapted to facilitate transfers of connections of wireless devices. For example, a first PLMN may provide restricted access to a UE to assist the UE in finding a second PLMN for a full connection. Entities may be adapted to support for non-coverage related PLMN transfers, such as transfers initiated by UEs, PLMNs, servers, and core network entities, e.g., in response to changing usage, congestion, etc.

We claim: 
     
       1. An apparatus comprising a processor, a memory, and communication circuitry, the apparatus configured to communicate via the communication circuitry, the apparatus further comprising computer-executable instructions stored in the memory of the apparatus which, when executed by the processor of the apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform operations comprising:
 receiving, from a first network, network information indicating a second network and timing information for determining when to deregister from the first network and register with the second network; 
 deregistering, based on the timing information, from the first network; and 
 registering, based on the network information and the timing information, with the second network, 
 wherein the first and second networks are mobile communication networks. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the network information includes Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) information associated with the second network. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the network information is received via a control plane procedure. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the network information is received during a registration procedure. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second network is included in a list of networks that are available to the apparatus. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the timing information indicates an activation time for determining when to de-register from the first network. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the activation time is for determining when to register to the second network. 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the timing information indicates a time window for determining when to deregister from the first network and when to register with the second network. 
     
     
       9. The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the apparatus chooses a time within the time window for the registering with the second network. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the time within the time window is chosen at random. 
     
     
       11. A method for network registration comprising:
 receiving, from a first network, network information indicating a second network and timing information for determining when to deregister from the first network and register with the second network; 
 deregistering, based on the timing information, from the first network; and 
 registering, based on the network information and the timing information, with the second network, 
 wherein the first and second networks are mobile communication networks. 
 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 11 , wherein the network information includes Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) information associated with the second network. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 11 , wherein the network information is received via a control plane procedure. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 11 , wherein the network information is received during a registration procedure. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 11 , wherein the second network is included in a list of networks that are available to an apparatus that performs the method. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15 , wherein the timing information indicates an activation time for determining when to de-register from the first network. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 16 , wherein the activation time is for determining when to register to the second network. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 11 , wherein the timing information indicates a time window for determining when to deregister from the first network and when to register with the second network. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 18 , further comprising choosing a time within the time window for the registering with the second network. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 19 , wherein the time within the time window is chosen at random.